Often called as the "Queen of all Hill Stations", this is one of the most popular in the whole world. This place is wrapped by everything beautiful nature has blessed the Earth with. Darjeeling is located in the lap of the Mountain Kanchenjunga and crowned by the mighty Himalayas, there is tranquility everywhere you see. There is the bright red hue of blooming rhododendrons, the peaceful white of the magnolias and also the silvery white firs all spread over the hills and the stretches of hills covered with the emerald color tea bushes. If you are out during the early mornings, the clouds will cross across your face. This is a perfect place for a tourist, ornithologist, trekker, a photographer and children too. The famous toytrain of Darjeeling is now a Heritage of Bengal. The other nearby attractions are Mirik, Mall, Batasia Loop, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Dooars Valley. A trip to this beautiful place is sure to fetch you a lot of memories to be etched in your heart forever.Read More

Often called as the "Queen of all Hill Stations", this is one of the most popular in the whole world. This place is wrapped by everything beautiful nature has blessed the Earth with. Darjeeling is located in the lap of the Mountain Kanchenjunga and crowned by the mighty Himalayas, there is tranquility everywhere you see. There is the bright red hue of blooming rhododendrons, the peaceful white of the magnolias and also the silvery white firs all spread over the hills and the stretches of hills covered with the emerald color tea bushes. If you are out during the early mornings, the clouds will cross across your face. This is a perfect place for a tourist, ornithologist, trekker, a photographer and children too. The famous toytrain of Darjeeling is now a Heritage of Bengal. The other nearby attractions are Mirik, Mall, Batasia Loop, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Dooars Valley. A trip to this beautiful place is sure to fetch you a lot of memories to be etched in your heart forever.

At 2042 metres, Darjeeling was more urbanised than I initially thought. The winding alleys, the vibrant people, open drains that sounded like waterfalls, tea shops in abundance, the overhanging electric wires, the whistling toy train and the missing Kanchendzonga. There were pockets of colonial era buildings with the best views of the valleys down below, and then there are pockets where it is really cramped and congested, where it did not seem like Darjeeling the hill station at all. Our base was Youth Hostel Kadambari, where we settled down on our assigned bunk beds – the dorm was okay with all the bare essentials. YHAI, which organises treks like these is a non profit organisation and perhaps the cheapest around that may take you to the Himalayas. The Sandakphu trek cost me Rs. 5775 including food and accommodation. Moreover, there’s always a chance of bumping into fellow trekkers who will narrate experiences that can last a lifetime.

The morning was very cold and none of us could gather the courage to get out of the bed to see the sunshine .We just peeped through the windows as we has a room facing the range.. Then we quickly had breakfast and started our journey back to Manebhanjan which we reached by 1 pm and then another 40 mins to Sukhia. Had quick snacks and took a can to Darjeeling. The road from Sukhia to Darjeeling is very good and seemed so much relaxing after the tumultuous 31 kms downwards. “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” (Sir Edmund Hillary) “Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.”(Nemann Buhl) Additional information: Contact person in Manebhanjan to know about the weather forecast and room availability Chandan Pradhan: 8145822708/9378432477

The very first thing that comes to my mind, and perhaps to a host of people around when you utter "Darjeeling' is the famous tea that this part of the globe produces. Well, this hill station has far more to offer than the aromatic tea that one sips and gets into a dizzy of joy.She is truly a queen.

A beautiful and gratifying travel destination, Darjeeling is famous for its traditional yet charming little hotels, home stays and cottages that are unexpectedly low-priced. The scenic exquisiteness of the snow laden mountains, marvelous views of the sunrise and the sunset, delectable food available at sensible rates and the divine savor of the renowned Darjeeling tea make it a place worth adding to your travel bucket list

23. The fairytale-appeal of DarjeelingThe ‘dreamland of the east’ – Darjeeling is captivating. Blessed with waterfalls, beautiful terrain and surround by mountains, this place is perhaps the most famous hill station in Eastern India. When there, we beg you to try the food at Glennarys and Keventers. Both these places are iconic and have wowed the hungry for decades. It is no wonder that we have to add this place to our list of hill stations in India.

Darjeeling5. Glenary's Bakery & CafeDareeling is known as the queen of the hills and Glenary has been its reigning restaurant for 100 years now. While the floor at the road level (i.e. the ground floor) is where the bakery and cafe is located, Glenary's Multi-cuisine Restaurant is located upstairs which you can access through a stairway inside the cafe or from outside the building. And at the basement is the Buzz Bar, which is a modern pub.

Kurseong, located about 30 km from Darjeeling, is for travellers who are looking to get away from the chaos of typical hill stations. With tea gardens as the region's landscape, Kurseong is as charming as it is lively and a perfect weekend destination if you are in West Bengal.
There are a number of spots here that promise you an overwhelming view of the enveloping mountains – the most significant being the clear views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Like any other hill station, Kurseong has its share of lovely touristy spots including Dow Hill, Eagle Craig and various tea estates including Makaibari Tea Estate (which is said to be the oldest tea estate in the region).
If you are looking to explore the town completely, it's best to get in touch with some locals and discover hidden gems including trekking sites and birdwatching spots. Read More

Kurseong, located about 30 km from Darjeeling, is for travellers who are looking to get away from the chaos of typical hill stations. With tea gardens as the region's landscape, Kurseong is as charming as it is lively and a perfect weekend destination if you are in West Bengal.
There are a number of spots here that promise you an overwhelming view of the enveloping mountains – the most significant being the clear views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Like any other hill station, Kurseong has its share of lovely touristy spots including Dow Hill, Eagle Craig and various tea estates including Makaibari Tea Estate (which is said to be the oldest tea estate in the region).
If you are looking to explore the town completely, it's best to get in touch with some locals and discover hidden gems including trekking sites and birdwatching spots.

Gangtok is the capital city of the north Indian state of Sikkim. Built up as a Buddhist journey site in the 1840s, the city got to be capital of an autonomous government after extinction of British principle, however it joined India in 1975. Today, it remains a Tibetan Buddhist focus and a base for climbers sorting out licenses and transport for treks through Sikkim's Himalayan mountain ranges. Settled inside higher crests of the Himalaya and relishing a year-round gentle calm atmosphere, Gangtok is at the center point of Sikkim's tourism industry. The accommodation business is the biggest business in Gangtok as the city is the main base for Sikkim tourism. Summer and spring seasons are the most prominent visitor seasons. Large portions of Gangtok's occupants are utilized specifically and in a roundabout way in the tourism business, with numerous inhabitants owning and working in Hotels. Ecotourism has risen as an essential monetary action in Gangtok which incorporates trekking, mountaineering, stream rafting and other practices.
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Gangtok is the capital city of the north Indian state of Sikkim. Built up as a Buddhist journey site in the 1840s, the city got to be capital of an autonomous government after extinction of British principle, however it joined India in 1975. Today, it remains a Tibetan Buddhist focus and a base for climbers sorting out licenses and transport for treks through Sikkim's Himalayan mountain ranges. Settled inside higher crests of the Himalaya and relishing a year-round gentle calm atmosphere, Gangtok is at the center point of Sikkim's tourism industry. The accommodation business is the biggest business in Gangtok as the city is the main base for Sikkim tourism. Summer and spring seasons are the most prominent visitor seasons. Large portions of Gangtok's occupants are utilized specifically and in a roundabout way in the tourism business, with numerous inhabitants owning and working in Hotels. Ecotourism has risen as an essential monetary action in Gangtok which incorporates trekking, mountaineering, stream rafting and other practices.

Was on trip to Nathula Pass from Gangtok with my better half. Just as we left the city I could get a clear shot of the mighty Kanchenjunga. As blessed I was the skies were clear and the shot came out very clear. One of my wishes came true :)

Next morning, when I woke up I had decided that this is not the time to remorse. I had come so far not to be disappointed or sad, happiness is always in our hands. I stood up in the line again hoping for a positive result and finally I withdrew cash. The next thing that I did was to file a complaint in the bank about my amount being debited. For a moment, I thought that my time was being wasted by visiting these banks and ATM. I had come so far not to do this....But this was a learning for me, I did discovered that in difficult times how did I react, what decisions did I take. I was left all alone in this situation and made to fight it, I had to be victorious.After doing all this work, I decided to do some local sightseeing. The first place I went to was Hanuman Tok.

Gangtok
This honeymooners’ heaven is also the perfect place to let your wild side loose with your mad gang. Whether you go trekking, eating, or clubbing—Gangtok will assure that there’s a twist in the tale. The duty-free goods are just an added bonus. Don’t forget to make friends with a yak as you take a bumpy ride on its back through this amazing hill-station!

Each day created a new Sikkim for us. People are mostly educated in Gangtok, traffic laws are followed like religion, and cleanliness is stressed upon. On a clear sunny day, the Kanchenjunga mountain range is clearly visible in all its might.

While the heavy rain back home was adding to the traffic woes and triggering a whole bunch of runny noses, I was enjoying the almost perfect mountain weather. The days were sunny and the evenings pleasantly nippy in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The city itself was a pleasant surprise. The houses lining the street were not posh, but were all well maintained, freshly painted, with their balconies lined with flowering plants. The roads were not wide, but there were bounded by a well kept, covered and aesthetically designed side walk for pedestrians. The traffic was extremely streamlined and everyone drove in their own lanes. There were dustbins at reasonable intervals and there was next to no litter on the streets. Was it not for the quintessential 'Mahatma Gandhi Marg', I would have thought I was in another country. The MG Road is the city's epicentre. Its a well maintained, pedestrian-only shopping paradise. The avenue is lined with shops selling merchandise ranging from expensive brands to export surplus, Tibetan antiques to plastic Chinese toys. I have spent my fair share of bunked dissection hours in Janpath/Sarojini Nagar, but never have I street-shopped in a more delightful place than MG Road. The government has taken special steps to make MG Road a pleasant place so tourists can empty their wallets and make the state richer. The numerous fountains, flower pots and benches all along the street just add to the shopping experience. Not to mention that there are some amazing eateries along the way. I especially loved the Roll House which I frequented for my daily fix of cheese rolls and momos.

Then we have the famous MG market of Gangtok, which just sums up the night life of people, with such cheerful, gleaming faces, jam packed shops, wine shops, malls, beautifully lit, it was like another city in a small place itself.This is the charm of this place where in on one end, It's the fragrance of the sunlight , the smell of a steaming cup of tea in a small little shop in mountains, smoke arising from the woods, the rushing sound of the river, mountains gaped by clouds and snow and then there this night market far away from the forest, enjoying in the city rush.Such fragrances cannot be captured or replicated but something that instigates your mind till long way.One of the Himalaya's best kept travel secret ; Sikkim

Mirik is a beautiful, laidback town, about 40 km from Darjeeling, popular for its scenic beauty and quiet surroundings. Mostly on the list of travellers visiting Darjeeling, this lovely town promises a wonderful day trip.
Mirik Lake, located at the centre of town is a popular spot owing to its natural beauty. Do also visit the peaceful Mirik monastery situated close to the lake. This is where you'll find most locals and also a variety of local food stalls serving an assortment of snacks including the very famous jhaal muri!
With umpteen homestays springing up in the region, Mirik is slowly becoming a popular weekend destination as opposed to the picnic spot it is. Surrounded by views of tea estates, on a good day you can also catch glimpses of the Kanchenjunga peak. It's best to plan your visit enroute to Darjeeling since it's convenient and the weather here is just perfect.Read More

Mirik is a beautiful, laidback town, about 40 km from Darjeeling, popular for its scenic beauty and quiet surroundings. Mostly on the list of travellers visiting Darjeeling, this lovely town promises a wonderful day trip.
Mirik Lake, located at the centre of town is a popular spot owing to its natural beauty. Do also visit the peaceful Mirik monastery situated close to the lake. This is where you'll find most locals and also a variety of local food stalls serving an assortment of snacks including the very famous jhaal muri!
With umpteen homestays springing up in the region, Mirik is slowly becoming a popular weekend destination as opposed to the picnic spot it is. Surrounded by views of tea estates, on a good day you can also catch glimpses of the Kanchenjunga peak. It's best to plan your visit enroute to Darjeeling since it's convenient and the weather here is just perfect.

My Driver asked me, Madam, Would you like to see 'Mirik' ?Mirik, it still reminds me of my decision which I took without giving a second thought while going to the Darjeeling. The name sounds to me very unique and I said Yes ! Why not. I still remember the wonderful scenic drive through tea gardens on hill slope. As we started the uphill journey, I felt as if I was rising above the earth, rising above the clouds. All I can see was white snow with mist in the air. On the way, I saw a lot of orange orchades and passed by the famous tea estate of Goodricke.It was altogether a nostalgic view . I reached Mirik around 5:00 pm in the evening. Mirik is a small and sleepy hill town nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. I had a very deep query about the term M.I.R.I.K since I was so fascinated with this name. Mirik comes from Lepcha words Mir-Yok meaning ;place burnt by fire. Mirik central attraction is its 1 km long lovely lake surrounded by Dhupi trees on one side and garden on the other side. The garden area has a playground where the British officers played polo during British Era in India. I still remember the Sumendu Lake surrounded by a garden and pine trees which was linked together by an arching footbridge called Indreni Pull. I sat down for sometime along the bank of the lake and relaxed with closed eyes then I crossed over the arching footbridge and crossover to the other side of the lake walked through the dhupi forest. I reached to the top of the monastery known as Bokar Monastery and which is famous as a Buddhist meditation center. Top of the monastery had a Tingling view point, a panoramic view of the the tea gardens.My driver suggested me that if I would have started early, I could have a reach a beautiful pace called Jorpokhri. This tiny place on a hill top has twin lakes, surrounded by forest and offers magnificent views of Kanchenjunga.After this 2 hours of visit, all I can say is that 'Mirik' ! you took my heart away

Bhutan has gradually become a popular tourist destination. And if you are visiting Bhutan, you can't possibly miss the lovely city of Paro. Considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, it is definitely a must visit!
A perfect mix of culture, beauty, nature and history, Paro offers you an experience unlike another. Do visit the unofficial Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest, which is a delight for trekkers and explorers! Located on a hill, the trek to this monastery is something you'll always remember. Do carry water, wear proper shoes before you start your trek lest the number of halts increases your trek time.
Another wonderful place to visit is the National Museum of Bhutan which is located in a former watch tower and hosts a collection of artefacts tracing the history of Bhutan. Among other places to visit, Rinpung Dzong and Drakhapo are definitely worth visiting. The Paro market is also a great place to explore and makes for a perfect location for an evening stroll. If you don't want to stay in the city, Paro is where you should head to. The lush valleys here are a delight to explore and the streams and meadows are nothing less than a postcard. Read More

Bhutan has gradually become a popular tourist destination. And if you are visiting Bhutan, you can't possibly miss the lovely city of Paro. Considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, it is definitely a must visit!
A perfect mix of culture, beauty, nature and history, Paro offers you an experience unlike another. Do visit the unofficial Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest, which is a delight for trekkers and explorers! Located on a hill, the trek to this monastery is something you'll always remember. Do carry water, wear proper shoes before you start your trek lest the number of halts increases your trek time.
Another wonderful place to visit is the National Museum of Bhutan which is located in a former watch tower and hosts a collection of artefacts tracing the history of Bhutan. Among other places to visit, Rinpung Dzong and Drakhapo are definitely worth visiting. The Paro market is also a great place to explore and makes for a perfect location for an evening stroll. If you don't want to stay in the city, Paro is where you should head to. The lush valleys here are a delight to explore and the streams and meadows are nothing less than a postcard.

The next morning it was time to drive to Paro. Only 50 kms away from Thimpu, it took us barely 3 hours to reach our hotel in Paro.Paro is where the international airport of Bhutan is located. Naturally, it is more of a ‘touristy’ town than Thimpu. The city built around the Paro River, needless to say, is abundant with nature and scenic beauty. One can easily laze around the city and feel enriched. However, we had a to-do list. First on the list was to visit the oldest Buddhist house of worship in Bhutan, the Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The legends say that the temple is one of 108 temples that were built to defeat an ogress (demon) that was lying over the entire Himalayas. Most monasteries and other significant places of Bhutan have interesting transcendental stories and parables. A local tour guide will always have so many magical stories to tell you. The monastery was a very quiet place and people were in serious prayers. After the temple we went to the market and did some shopping which consisted of home décor, antique jewellery and kilos of red rice to name a few .

Finally, you enter Paro, where the river welcomes you. The city if personified would be called a very disciplined, organised city. Rows of buildings of almost the same height, lit in the same way on both sides of the road, which opens up to a ground and similarly planned and structured by-lanes.Go for a stroll around the city, and then plan a day to climb up the Tatkshang Monastery on the Tiger Hills.28th October, 2016:

Reaching Paro was a task as immigration took too long and a situation came up at Tanalung checkpoint. One of our rider’s permit got swapped with somebody at the previous checkpoint Kharbandi. Despite the delay, we managed to reach the same day.

Next morning we drove back towards Phuentsholling and after about 25kms we reached Chunzom and took the right turn towards Paro. The road to Paro was silky-smooth, appearing and disappearing along the many folds of the mountain of Alpine forests. First landmark we came across on our way to Paro was the one and only airport of Bhutan ,a beautiful landstrip surrounded by mystic mountains and green fields . Few kilometres before entering Paro we were greeted by the majestic Paro Dzong, an imposing citadel .After crossing Paro Dzong ,we entered Paro town. We were awestruck by this out of the world scenario . Paro was original ,pure and traditional Bhutan. Both sides of the main road were lined by traditional stone-wood Bhutanese style buildings that housed shops, restaurents etc.

It is just an hour drive away from Thimphu and is very scenic. The sight of river flowing parallel to rocky mountains is so mesmerizing that you won't even realise the travel time, the roads all across Bhutan were amazing. Visit the Museum, Dzong and trek Taksang Monastery. The city is mostly on one quite road where you must take a walk in the evening - observe the color, lights and people.

Pelling is approximately 130 km far from Siliguri and 115 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and is very well connected by transport and jeep services. The lovely little town of Pelling is popular for magnificient views of the snow-topped Kanchenjunga range, the third most elevated crest in the world.The Placid town pulls a large portion of the guests for its representative status in history, and nature of the state of Sikkim. Situated at a height of 6,800 ft, Pelling offers great perspective of the whole Kanchenjunga mountain reach including Koktang, Kumbhakaran , Rathong, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Siniolchu and many more. This is as close as you can get to the Kanchenjunga range without leaving the material solace of good lodgings. Because of its worthwhile area, numerous hotels and cabins have come up in and around Pelling taking into account shifted tastes and budgets. Also the climate in Pelling may change from bright and sunny to blurred and miserable in a matter of minutes.
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Pelling is approximately 130 km far from Siliguri and 115 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and is very well connected by transport and jeep services. The lovely little town of Pelling is popular for magnificient views of the snow-topped Kanchenjunga range, the third most elevated crest in the world.The Placid town pulls a large portion of the guests for its representative status in history, and nature of the state of Sikkim. Situated at a height of 6,800 ft, Pelling offers great perspective of the whole Kanchenjunga mountain reach including Koktang, Kumbhakaran , Rathong, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Siniolchu and many more. This is as close as you can get to the Kanchenjunga range without leaving the material solace of good lodgings. Because of its worthwhile area, numerous hotels and cabins have come up in and around Pelling taking into account shifted tastes and budgets. Also the climate in Pelling may change from bright and sunny to blurred and miserable in a matter of minutes.

Fifth day we started our journey to Pelling sight seeing. Kachenjunga maountains was very near to Pelling. Snowy mountains of Kanchenjunga view was very awesome from our Hotel itself. We visited Yuksum first capital of Sikkim. Guru Padmasambha place was there where Guruji did their sadhna under a tree (even today this tree is there almost 400 years old) and Guru put His feet over a stone. This stone has His foot print on it. Next sight we visited Khecheopalri lake a holy lake. This lake is famous for its spiritual significance. This is a peaceful place.

Perhaps the most popular name in Sikkim right after Gangtok, Pelling abounds in travellers because it offers the most brilliant views of Mount Kanchenjunga. The vast number of hotels this hill station is home to are proof of its fame. With its monasteries, cultural festivals and a multitude of nature trails, a trip to Pelling is almost therapeutic; it rejuvenates you in ways like no other.

A place full fo surprises. an unexplored and calm hill station. The people are very friendly , and nature is at its best.
site seeing spots:
• Rimbi waterfall
• Khecheopalri lake
• Darap village
• Sangay falls
• monastry
• Singshore bridge
and valley full of greenery , roads and shops full of flowers and many old and new bridges the marvels of engineering.
This place is a must visit place and should be in every travelers and nature lovers bucket list.

At 6500 ft elevation, Pelling is a funny little village, its development hanging precariously on the unrivaled views of Mt. Khangchendzonga (Tibetan meaning: big 5 peaked snow fortress). Ritualistically, weary travelers drag themselves out of their warm covers in hopes of glimpsing this elusive 28,209 ft peak, knowing that it only grants brief audiences for those who persevere. The next morning as the first rays of the sun kissed the summit of Mt. Khangchendzonga, the world's 3rd highest peak, the veil of clouds parted, revealing the 11 snow peaks, standing like sentinels at the gateway of the Himalayas.

At 6800 feet above sea level stands the serene and enchanting town of Pelling. Quaint villages, deep ravines and high mountains surrounding it, this little town gives for the most spectacular view of the famous Kanchenjunga Mountain Rages. Also famous for the Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling is a must see.
So our riding pattern too fluctuates between easy downhill patches and steep uphill climbs- giving you the feel of a true mountain ride. A steep detour to the Khecheopalri Holy Lake comes later in the day. And finally, we rest for the day at Norbu Ghang Resort.
Distance cycled: 50 km

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,May,September,October,November,December

Charming and unspoilt, Yuksom is a Himalayan land with maple, birch and magnolia trees and an array of monasteries. This East Sikkim village is also the gateway to Mount Kanchenjunga and is a worthy addition to the eco-tourism villages.
The Dubdi Monastery is said to be the oldest of its kind in the whole of Sikkim, perched on a hilltop. An hour's trek from the village will take you to this beautiful place wrapped in greenery and peace. The Kartok Gompa and the Ngadak Chenpo Chorling Gompa are the other monasteries that offer an insight into Tibetan culture. Yuksom is also the base for several treks, the most famous ones being Goechala and Dzongri.
There is nothing much to do after sunset but to watch and enjoy the silence of nature. Try the yak cheese momos – a local delicacy, and wash them down with Hit and Dansberg, two local brands of beer. For accommodation, choose a cozy Tibetan homestay over anything else.Read More

Charming and unspoilt, Yuksom is a Himalayan land with maple, birch and magnolia trees and an array of monasteries. This East Sikkim village is also the gateway to Mount Kanchenjunga and is a worthy addition to the eco-tourism villages.
The Dubdi Monastery is said to be the oldest of its kind in the whole of Sikkim, perched on a hilltop. An hour's trek from the village will take you to this beautiful place wrapped in greenery and peace. The Kartok Gompa and the Ngadak Chenpo Chorling Gompa are the other monasteries that offer an insight into Tibetan culture. Yuksom is also the base for several treks, the most famous ones being Goechala and Dzongri.
There is nothing much to do after sunset but to watch and enjoy the silence of nature. Try the yak cheese momos – a local delicacy, and wash them down with Hit and Dansberg, two local brands of beer. For accommodation, choose a cozy Tibetan homestay over anything else.

29.10.2016It's the last trek day. Everyone is happy cause now this difficult and exhausting trek is going to be over in 6hrs. We all were very excited to get back to civilization and getting our normal lives back but little did I knew that I'd miss this trek and the fellow trekkers more than I missed my friends when high school ended. We had Breakfast and started the trek by 8:00hrs.Today it was exhausting and difficult. Cause we had to go down. I realised going back down seemed easy but it was tough as hell.My feet were paining and now my blisters also burst. Along the way I realised something that I am in pain but I am not tired at all. I am a marathon runner. Coming back to low altitude with high oxygen levels I felt this energy running through me and I was trekking easily but then again after 3 hrs I was exhausted. I took a break and started again. After 6 tuff hrs, were about to reach base camp but our trek leader Aakash asked us to wait for others because we started as a group and we must finish as a group. So we waited and we started again when everybody came. I am really competitive by nature , I had to finish first and so was my friend Dheeraj. And before we know we are racing to get to base camp. He suggested that we should finish together. I agreed and we finished the trek together.We reached base camp by 2:00hrs. This was now the first time in 8 days that I'll be bathing. It was no doubt the best bath if my life. Now everybody got freshen up and now the party was about to start. We started partying at 16:00 and finished at 24:00 .. Harshali paid up and bought me a bottle of 100piper's.And so we partied till we dropped.That day I ate beef and pork also for the first time in my life. It was delicious. Though pork wasn't so good.

Yuksom has a rich history to its name, and to unravel its mysteries you will have to go there yourself. Yuksom was home to the first Chogyal (monarch) of Sikkim. This December, take on an adventurous journey to an unexplored, rugged yet beautiful town that has been preserved from the outburst of tourists. While in Yuksom, explore the local monasteries and get to know more about Buddhism. To have a good time, get to know the different kinds of cultures and people that call Yuksom home. Yuksom tops the chart for being an adventurous place to visit in India in December.How to reach Yuksom: The nearest railway station is in New Jalpaiguri and from there you can hire a vehicle to Yuksom.

I am a restless medical student.After giving my first yr exams I decided to travel somewhere, but I didn't get a chance to do so.I was feeling this emptiness inside me, a hunger to fill my soul with adventure and thrill.Now around Diwali I got 20 days off .. all my friends had plans to travel somewhere but I didn't. I was surfing on bookmyshow when u saw goechala trek. I booked it through INDIA HIKES and I was on my way to Sikkim on 21.10.16Reach the bagdogra airport by an early flight. I am the first one to reach . After waiting for 3 long hrs others arrive and we share a cab to the base camp. The drive to the base camp is an 8 hrs long ride. And I am sharing this cab with 5 other people.I have the window seat. Person next to me us really nice.. good person.. he gave me stuff to eat (chocolate and gum). We all are talking and laughing, enjoying the ride when suddenly the person sitting on the other window seat pukes. He didn't speak much before also, kind of an introvert person and out of nowhere, he throws up in the car.Driver stops the car , he cleans up.. The guys name is arvind, 32yr old male from the hot city of Chennai.. it was his first trek. He didn't seem fit for the trek. He is fat and ugly(I was judging) and I don't think he should be here. I hate him,he is just creating a mess. But I don't care much about it.Anyways,We start the drive again , I doze off for 3 hrs .. It's noon now.. we stop for lunch at this little place. But the food was amazing. But I couldn't figure out there chicken , it's not zesty and I don't like it that much. But rest was good. One more thing.. the views were amazing during the drive.. we reach the base camp at 20:30 , tired as hell. At 21:00 we get dinner. Everyone's talking to each other. Now I am surrounded by 19 total strangers with whom I'll be spending next 10 days trekking through forest....

Yuksom is a refreshing break from the crowded trails that you get during the peak season. Visit this place in the off-season to enjoy its real beauty. Travel to Yuksom, which resides just on top of the Kanchenjunga National Park, from where the trek up to the world’s third highest mountain begins. It is a quiet town that is sure of bringing you peace. You can visit monasteries in and around Yuksom, the nearest is Dubdi Monastery, which was made by the first Chogyal and also the Khehceopalri Lake. November is an off-season here, as it starts getting colder and the weather is fantastic!To reach Yuksom, the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (150 km) and the closest airport is in Bagdogra (155 km).Off-Season In NovemberA sleepy hamlet on the outskirts of Shimla, Mashobra floats in a British aura with the scent of cedar in the air, and tall pine trees to cast shadows on you. Famous for its apple orchards and endless terrace farms that meet the slopes of the mountains, Mashobra has maintained its old world charm while adjusting to people around. You can explore Mashobra’s forest sanctuary and the jam factories, or drive to Shimla for a day.The nearest airport is the Shimla airport (12 km) and the closest railway station is the Shimla railway station.

Its first capital of Sikkim, Yuksom has special religious and cultural significance. It has a number of famous Buddhist monasteries and historical monuments. Being at the head of the Khangchendzonga National Park and as the base camp for trekking to Mt. Khangchendzonga, it has large influx of mountaineers from all parts of the world. The village people, as stake holders in biodiversity preservation of the Rathong Chu valley, where the village is situated, have played a significant role in trendsetting and promotion of eco-tourism in the area. The inhabitants of this village have most successfully adopted promotion of ecotourism not only in the region but also for other similar areas in Sikkim. Yuksom is thus considered a model village for eco-tourism.

Situated at an altitude of 5840 feet, the natural beauty of Yuksom, historically known to be the first capital of Sikkim, is serene, colourful, and inspiring – all at once. Perfect for meditative day-walks, it is also the trailhead for the Khangchendzonga Trek (Dzongri & Goecha La). However, apart from trekkers, Yuksom is yet to attract the large share of tourists who still prefer to soak in mountain views from the now over-crowded Pelling.
In Yuksom, NGOs promoting eco-tourism guard the interests of villagers by helping them set-up and promote homestays, which not only serve as an additional income for the villagers but also give visitors an opportunity to live out an authentic village experience in Sikkim. Food served throughout the course of your stay is completely organic, with most ingredients growing in the front yard. Meals include local delicacies like momos, millet rotis, healthy leafy noodle soups, rice and traditional meat dishes. Don’t forget to try the ‘Chhaang’ – a kind of beer made of rice/ millet, which is a favorite with the Sikkimese across the state. Chhaang is offered in a tall bamboo container called Tongba, and is drank warm.
Like most village houses, EZOM also has its share of farm animals – yaks, pigs, goats, chickens – you name it. And if you are ever in need of a cosy cuddle, Peechu the adorable house cat will be at your service.

Yuksom is a historical town in Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. It was the first capital of Sikkim established in 1642 AD by Phuntsog Namgyal who was the first Chogyal (temporal and religious king) of Sikkim. The coronation site of the first monarch of Sikkim is known as the "Throne of Norbugang". Yuksom is where there is the Norbugang Chorten near the Norbugang throne, the place Namgyal was crowned and several monasteries and a lake. The dynastic rule of the Chogyals lasted for 333 years.

From Pelling, we continued towards Yuksam, where we were greeted by villagers singing merrily as they went about their day, birds chiming in, yak bells tinkling, and streams providing harmony. We feasted our eyes on one of the snow peaks poking out above the mist settling in on the green mountainsides. Quiet and peaceful. We were drawn in like moths to a flame and we spent the next 4 days visiting with locals at little tea shops, hiking through the countryside, and cooking our dinner.
Trekking through the mountains around Yuksom is the main reason a few straggling travelers end up there. The arduous 10 day treks up to the snow mountains or Goecha Peak require permits, and thus are expensive ($30-50 day). Just picking a path and seeing where it leads is a rewarding alternative.

39km from Pelling, Yuksom is surrounded by an array of religious sites and trekking adventures.
Yuksom serves as the base camp for many treks in Sikkim. One can trek to Tashiding/Dzongri Peak/Goecha La from here. You can also trek to Kachupuri Lake from Yuksom. The trek takes you right under the shadow of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain range.
Apart from trekking you can also visit Dubdi Gompa, Kartok Lake, Phamrong Waterfalls, and Kanchenjunga National Park.